Does my newborn need to burp after every feed?
Babies vary in how much help they need to burp. Keep feeding comfortable and contact a doctor about symptoms that concern you.
The short answer
Not every baby needs to burp after every feed. The American Academy of Pediatrics says caregivers can try burping when a baby seems uncomfortable, and should ask a doctor about persistent or concerning symptoms.
Babies differ during and after feeds
Some babies swallow air while feeding and seem more comfortable after a burp. Others may not burp every time. Small amounts of spit up are common in many babies.
If you pause to burp, support your baby's head and neck and keep them in a comfortable position. Your midwife or doctor can show you safe ways to hold your baby and can help if feeding itself is uncomfortable.
If hiccups interrupt a feed
The American Academy of Pediatrics says most babies hiccup from time to time, and the hiccups usually bother parents more than the baby. If hiccups happen during a feed, it suggests changing your baby's position, trying a burp or helping them relax.
Wait for the hiccups to stop before restarting the feed. If they continue after five to ten minutes, the AAP says to try feeding again for a few minutes. If hiccups happen often, it suggests offering feeds when your baby is calm and before they become extremely hungry. Ask your baby's doctor about concerns or a feeding plan.
Notice the whole pattern
A small spit up is different from a pattern that worries you. Contact your baby's health professional if vomiting is forceful, persistent, unusual in color, affects feeding or is accompanied by other changes. Seek urgent care for emergency symptoms described by your local health service.
A feed log can help you describe when a symptom happened, but it can’t identify its cause. Don’t use an app record to diagnose reflux or decide whether a baby needs treatment.
Keep sleep safety separate
Holding a baby upright after a feed is a waking care choice. When it is time for sleep, follow safe sleep advice from your midwife or doctor. The AAP recommends placing infants on their backs on a firm, flat sleep surface, including babies with reflux.
Follow your health professional's safe sleep advice. The American Academy of Pediatrics guidance linked below includes recommendations for babies with reflux.
Sources and further reading
Sources checked 12 October 2026. This page doesn’t replace advice from your own doctor.